Department of Health launches revamped construction framework agreement

The Department of Health has launched a procurement framework that it claims will save the NHS more than £200m and help upgrade hospitals more quickly.

The Procure 21+ framework – which builds on the existing Procure 21 scheme – is designed to streamline and simplify the process through which NHS trusts procure a construction company to carry out hospital refurbishments or new builds.

The system will also see performance data for each company published online. It has been designed so that the trusts do not have to go through EU procurement processes.

The six approved companies are:

• Balfour Beatty
• Healthcare Partnership Solutions
• Integrated Health Projects
• Interserve Project Services
• Kier Regional
• Willmott Dixon

The appointments will last for six years, starting from 1 October 2010.

The Department claimed that projects can be started in under six weeks under the framework, saving trusts six months in the pre-construction period.

Health Minister Simon Burns said: “The new system will cut bureaucratic waste and allow the NHS to reinvest savings directly into services for patients. Hospital refurbishments under this system will be quicker and more cost effective, ensuring that patients receive their treatment in a clean, safe and efficient environment.”